Eagle Tykes like the The Shoe’s new fit

Champions in six age divisions (Tyke, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, and Midget) were crowned during the finals of the four-day Burlington Golden Horseshoe AAA Hockey Tournament Tuesday (Dec 30) at Central Arena.

The hometown Eagles Tyke team took the first game in an action filled 10-9 OT win with Brendan Bowie of Burlington being named the Most Valuable Player. This was the first time that the “Shoe” had a Tyke division and it appears to have been a success. For many of these players, it was their first experience of a major tournament.

In the other divisions, Novice York Simcoe Express defeated Clarington Toros 4-1 with Wes Weir of York Simcoe being named the MVP. In Atom, Mississauga Reps defeated Halton Hurricanes 7-1. Victor Mete of Mississauga was the MVP while in Peewee, Hamilton Junior Bulldogs defeated Huron Perth Lakers 8-3 with Connor Murphy leading the way as the team’s MVP.

Bantam play saw Hamilton Huskies shutting out Vaughan Kings 2-0 with goalie Lake Molleson picking up his second shutout of the playoffs, and the MVP award.

Oshawa Minor Generals in the Midget title match edged Toronto Nationals 2-1 in an overtime thriller to bookend the tournament. Andy Shure of Oshawa earned the MVP award.

Ninety-nine teams participated in this international tournament played in four of Burlington’s major ice facilities. Sixteen teams from the United States and two from Finland competed.

Last year 60 teams entered the tournament. In addition to the games, a number of special events kept everyone busy. There was a skills competition to test players and a Burlington Cougars Junior A hockey game to attend in addition to the opening and a dinner for the players, their families, and billets.

A $10,000 “Shoot to Win” fundraising contest brought in more than $600 for Carpenter Hospice in Burlington.